Parking and airport changes are taking effect on Friday at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which are part of a more than $2 billion airport construction project. 

ParkRDU Economy 4 lot near Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 70 permanently closed on Friday to airport guests and is set to become an employee-only parking lot, according to RDU. The Economy Lot 4 had about 3,300 spaces.

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RDU media relations director Stephanie Hawco said Economy Lot 3 will expand from 3,800 parking spaces to around 11,000. A customer amenity building is also under construction at Economy 3 with restrooms, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.

RDU is opening the new parking spaces throughout 2026 in Economy Lot 3 as part of a $164 million expansion plan.

In addition to Economy Lot 3, guests still have access to the other parking options: Express, Central and Premier. Here’s a look at their pricing, according to RDU's website:

  • Economy 3: $3 per hour up to a maximum of $12 per day
    • Express: $4.25 per hour up to a maximum of $17 per day
      • Central: $5.25 per hour up to a maximum of $21 per day
        • Premier: $8 per hour up to $32 per day

          For travelers already parking in Economy 4 with plans to return after Jan.1, there are no changes. 

          "You can't book new parking reservations after Jan. 1, but if you're parked there now, that's fine,” Hawco said. “You'll be able to get your car and leave just like you always would.”

          If you are driving to Park Economy 3 from north of the airport, you can save time and avoid road congestion by following I-540 to southbound Aviation Parkway, then turning left at Sheetz at the intersection of Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive. The entrance to Park Economy 3 is on the right.

          Travelers can reserve parking online at www.ParkRDU.com to get a spot in the parking garage or lot of their choice.

          The recent construction around RDU is part of a $2.5 billion capital improvement program, called "Transform RDU." It will include a new runway, expanded Terminal 2, more ticketing, more international arrivals and expanded security checkpoint lanes and baggage claim stations.

          Hawco said construction on Terminal 2 starts in about a week or two. The construction is estimated to finish in 2032.

          “Beginning in January, you’ll start to see construction across the campus,” Hawco said.

          Hawco said the construction plans are aimed at creating an “elevated experience” at RDU.

          "We'll be putting a wall up," said Hawco. "It's going to block all those windows on the other side of the terminal, but what we will gain as a result of that is a bigger ticketing area. We are going to upgrade the bag claim system and we are going to add more room for international arrivals."